Viewers watching Dancing On Ice on Sunday night were disappointed by a short tribute that was delivered on the ITV in honour of late Drag Race UK contestant The Vivienne
Dancing On Ice fans were left disappointed by a tribute to late contestant The Vivienne – who passed away suddenly earlier this month.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race star was a contestant on season 15 of the long-running ITV winter sport contest in 2023 – where they finished in third place alongside professional skater Colin Grafton. A week before the 2025 season of Dancing On Ice began airing, the shocking news that The Vivienne – whose real name was James Lee Williams – had died at the age of 32.
After the opening dance routine on the show on Sunday night, and after welcoming the celebrity contestants and show judges, hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern addressed the cameras to pay tribute to the late drag performer. Holly, 43, said: “Before we move on, like us, many of you have been saddened by the tragedy of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend.
“Now, they were a huge part of the show, making it all the way to the final in 2023 and they’ll be very sorely missed. Our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this sad time. So sad.” Stephen, 47, added: “Absolutely,” before changing tone to say: “Ok, tonight’s we’ll see our first six couples take to the ice – the other six couples will perform next week – so lets crack on with the very first celebrity.”
The Vivienne competed on Dancing On Ice alongside Colin Grafton in 2023 (
Image:
Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Many viewers were disappointed by the tribute – and took to social media to suggest the hosts could have done more to celebrate the late star. One viewers took to X to write: “I thought that they might of said/done a little more when it came too paying homage too The Vivienne, showing previous clips and, or a dance routine in memory of perhaps. #DancingOnIce.”
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Another agreed there could have been some visuals to accompany the tribute, writing: “Is that it for a tribute to The Vivienne a few words why can’t we at least see some dances etc #DancingOnIce.” While another fan slammed the reality show, writing: “THATS IT!? … Not even a black a white image? Appalling.”
Others felt the showmakers hit the right balance in paying tribute to the late performer, with one writing: “@ITV #dancingonice Brilliant opening sequence! Gets you in the mood. Nice tribute to The Vivienne. And it’s always great to see Jayne and Chris, well backed up by Ashley and Oti. This is going to be a good series.” While another responded to the tribute to type: “The Vivienne” alongside a string of red heart emojis.
Drag Race fans were devastated last weekend when news broke that The Vivienne had died at the age of 32. Responding to the tragic news, Dancing On Ice partner Colin wrote on Instagram: “I can’t believe I’m writing these words. It is with an extraordinarily heavy heart that I say goodbye to my beautiful friend and skating partner, The Vivienne.”
The American skater continued: “Viv was and is a true icon in every sense of the word, and inspired thousands of people far and wide with everything they did and accomplished. They truly brought light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none. I am truly heartbroken. What we were able to accomplish together on Dancing On Ice was truly remarkable and I know your bravery and our partnership inspired many people.”
He added: “I will always be so proud of what we accomplished. Viv, your spirit, strength, and kindness will always stay with me and with everyone you touched. I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice , you will forever be my Mary Poppins. I promise to carry your memory with me in everything I do. You taught me so much about so many things, and I am eternally grateful. Your legacy lives on.”
